Acupuncture

• Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depend on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal "tune ups”.

• Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

• Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:
• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met?

• Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tui na.

• Your acupuncturist may include other related therapies in your treatment plan, such as cupping, Tui Na, Gua Sha or moxibustion (see images below). Herbal remedies are another important aspect of acupuncture and TCM. It is important to understand and follow your acupuncturist's directions in order to get the most

   benefit from these treatments.

• Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for many ailments including sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
• Tui Na translates as "push grasp". It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation. It is also used to heal injuries.
• Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
• Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger, or a liquid form may be applied. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process.

• Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. They are also extremely powerful in treating chronic, longstanding “deeper” issues that can be more difficult to treat with acupuncture alone. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.